Mars Attacks: The Dice Game (2014) Board Game

Mars Attacks: The Dice Game is based on the popular science fiction trading card series and movie franchise, “Mars Attacks!” The game was released in 2014 and is designed by Samuel Mitschke and Philip Reed. It is a fast-paced dice rolling game that captures the chaotic and humorous nature of the franchise.

Game Components of Mars Attacks: The Dice Game

Dice

City tokens

Martian player tokens

Rulebook

Other thematic tokens (e.g., radioactive symbols)

How To Setup Mars Attacks: The Dice Game

To set up the game, players distribute the city tokens across the playing area, each representing a major US city. Each Martian player chooses their tokens and places them on the starting locations. The dice are shuffled and ready for use. The objective is clear: the first Martian to subjugate all assigned cities wins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine actions such as attacking cities, defending against human resistance, or using special abilities.

Area Control: Players aim to control and subjugate cities by rolling specific dice outcomes.

Radiation Mechanics: Rolling radioactive symbols can trigger special effects, including the nuke-out rule which can dramatically change the game state.

Objective: The first player to subjugate all their assigned cities wins the game.

Player Experience

Mars Attacks: The Dice Game offers a fast-paced and competitive experience, perfect for those who enjoy quick, strategic gameplay. The game’s theme, inspired by the campy sci-fi of the Mars Attacks franchise, adds a layer of humor and fun. Players need to balance their dice rolls carefully to achieve their objectives while disrupting their opponents.

Pros

Quick Games: Games are typically short, lasting around 30 minutes.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join.

High Replayability: The random distribution of cities and dice rolls ensures each game is unique.

Thematic Fun: The game captures the playful, over-the-top spirit of the Mars Attacks series.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Limited Depth: The gameplay mechanics, while fun, are not overly complex.

Component Quality: Some players might find the components to be basic and not particularly durable.

Personal Thoughts on Mars Attacks: The Dice Game

This game is ideal for players looking for a light-hearted, quick dice-rolling experience. It is perfect for families, casual gamers, and fans of the Mars Attacks franchise. However, players seeking deep, strategic gameplay might find this game too simple. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy a fun, fast-paced game night.

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